Gun Safety Tips from the County Attorney

It is deer hunting season in Rice County!  It is a popular hobby and tradition for many in our community, enjoyed by men, women, young and old. 

Almost everyone has an opinion about firearms.  Some people are afraid of guns; some find them offensive.  On the other end of the spectrum, many take the right to keep and bear a firearm very seriously, and diligently protect the Second Amendement.  Somewhere in between are those that simply enjoy shooting sports and hunting. 

Whatever your opinion, we can all agree that firearms can be dangerous. If not properly handled and maintained, guns can injure and kill.  The Rice County Attorney’s office reviews tragic reports of injuries and deaths caused by the mishandling of firearms.

Guns are in more than one-third of all U.S. households.  I would venture to guess that in Rice County, more than one-half of households have a gun.  Many of these households include young children, or include guns not owned by the head of the household, i.e., women and children living in households where the gun is not owned by mom. 

Guns are a very real danger to children.  Whether you own a firearm or not, it is important to: talk to your children about the potential dangers of guns; what to do if they find a gun; and, to practice and advocate firearm safety. 

Teach your child to treat guns with respect.  Teach by example.  Children must recognize that guns do cause very real injuries – or even kill.  A healthy respect for firearms may prevent a tragedy.  Accidental shootings happen more often than necessary.  Even the most experienced gun handler can make mistakes – neglecting gun safety rules is one of them. 

Remind children often that they should stay away from guns and alert you should they ever encounter one.  Teach your child these four simple steps should they come into contact with a gun:

•stop what they're doing;

•do not touch the gun;

•leave the area where the gun is; and,

•tell an adult right away.

A child as young as 3-years old has the finger strength to pull a trigger.  And children do not understand the destructive power of a bullet. 

Gun owners should always practice the proper handling, maintenance, and storage of their firearms.  And although gun owners should take advantage of safety devices such as trigger locks, those safety devices should not be relied upon exclusively to protect curious children from danger.    

Tragedies can occur when a child visits your home.  Store guns in well concealed lock boxes or a gun safe.  And keep the box or safe locked.  Guns should always be unloaded.  Store ammunition separately from your guns. 

And even if your child has been raised in a culture where guns and hunting are part of recreation, it is impossible to remind and teach them about gun safety too many times!  And remember, your actions speak louder than your words. 

My son started hunting this year and I remind him of gun safety basics regularly!  Here are a few basic safety reminders for all of us, myself included:    

1.       Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction; do not load and unload your gun in a group.

2.       Do not lean your gun against a vehicle, on a tailgate or other unstable object.

3.       Guns should be unloaded when not actually in use; do not rely on your gun's safety.

4.       Be sure of your target and what's beyond it.  Know where you are shooting.

5.       Assume that noise and movement is another person, not an animal.

6.       Use the correct ammunition for your gun.

7.       If your gun fails to fire when the trigger is pulled, handle with care.

8.       Wear eye and ear protection.

9.       Be sure the barrel is clear of obstructions before shooting.

10.   Don't alter or modify your gun.

11.   Learn the mechanical and handling characteristics of the firearm you are using.

And, this should go without saying, but I am going to say it anyway.  NEVER use alcohol or drugs before or while handling or shooting a firearm! 

Finally, obtain all necessary licenses.  Have a safe and happy hunting season.